Author Description
The central work of one of the West's greatest philosophers, The Republic of Plato is a masterpiece of insight and feeling, the finest of the Socratic dialogues, and one of the great books of Western culture. Now Robin Waterfield offers a new translation of The Republic, one that captures the dramatic realism, poetic beauty, intellectual vitality, and emotional power of Plato at his height.Deftly weaving three main strands of argument into an artistic whole--the ethical and political, the aesthetic and mystical, and the metaphysical--Plato explores in The Republic the elements of the ideal community, where morality can be achieved in a balance of wisdom, courage, and restraint. But of course the dialogue is as much about our internal life as about social morality, for these vital elements must likewise work together to create harmonious human beings. Equally important, Plato achieves more than a philosophical dialogue of lasting fame and importance: The Republic is a literary masterpiece as well, presenting the philosophy with poetic power, with strikingly memorable images (the simile of the cave being the best known of Plato's unforgettable images of the human condition), carrying the reader along by the wit and intensity of the language.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
What constitutes the nature of justice and the structure of an ideal state? Plato, a foundational figure in Western philosophy, utilizes the Socratic dialogue format to investigate the definition of justice and its application to both the individual soul and the political community. Through the voice of Socrates, the text constructs a theoretical framework for a city-state governed by philosopher-kings, arguing that internal harmony is the prerequisite for external order.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A systematic exploration of political theory and social organization.
- The tripartite division of the soul and its relation to societal classes.
- The Allegory of the Cave and the Theory of Forms.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a practical manual for governance in modern democratic systems.
- It does not address the historical or empirical realities of contemporary Greek city-states.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and philosophers regard this work as a foundational text for Western political and ethical thought. Readers frequently note the dense, dialectical nature of the prose, which requires careful study to fully grasp the nuances of the Socratic method.
Page Count:
558
Publication Date:
1993-10-07
ISBN-10:
0192126040
ISBN-13:
9780192126047
Philosophy
Ethics
Metaphysics
Utopias